Coal news and updates

Jaduguda uranium mine facing Green obstacle

January 14: The closed Jaduguda mine, the oldest uranium mine in India, is facing Green hurdles and cannot re-start operations despite having its mining lease renewal cleared by the Jharkhand government.

“The mine was closed in September, but we got the clearance from the state cabinet within a short while. However, the forest clearance issue was imposed upon us and we are still pursuing the concerned authorities to obtain the approvals,” a company source told ICMW.

“As of now, we don’t have a clue as to when the mine will commence production,” he said.

The mine was closed on September 7, 2014 as the Jharkhand government ordered its closure following the Centre's directive on July 18 asking states to clamp down on mines that are operating under second or third deemed renewals.

The closure of Jaduguda, which was the first uranium mine in India, affected supply of the fuel at the nuclear power plants in the country, the source said.

UCIL’s first lease for the mine had expired in 2007 and the company had applied for the next lease which was to be valid from 2007 to 2027.